As we approach another pivotal election year, it’s critical that we not only cast our ballots but also ensure our families, friends, and neighbors are registered, informed, and ready to vote. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) remains committed to empowering Black voters with the tools and knowledge needed to participate fully in our democracy.

While presidential elections often capture the headlines, state and local elections frequently have the most immediate impact on our communities. Governors, mayors, state legislators, judges, and school board members all make decisions that shape our neighborhoods, schools, and access to essential resources.

In 2025 and 2026, voters in states across the country will head to the polls to elect leaders who will shape state budgets, set healthcare policies, influence criminal justice systems, oversee voting access, and decide local education priorities. These decisions matter deeply to Black families, entrepreneurs, students, and elderly people alike. Every office on the ballot represents an opportunity to advocate for equity, accountability, and progress.

Across the nation, several key states will hold elections that could have lasting effects on issues that impact Black communities.

• Virginia and New Jersey will hold legislative elections that may determine control of their state assemblies. In both states, Black voter turnout has historically influenced outcomes on issues like affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and access to quality healthcare.

• Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi will vote for governors and other statewide offices that will set agendas for economic development, education, and health equity.

• Local elections in cities like Houston, Atlanta, and Philadelphia will shape leadership in urban centers with large Black populations. These local offices decide everything from policing practices to community development projects.

While the political landscape differs from state to state, one constant remains: when Black communities vote, we make a difference.

In today’s landscape, it’s vital to rely on trusted, nonpartisan resources for election information. One of the most comprehensive tools available is Vote411.org, a resource created by the League of Women Voters Education Fund.

Vote411 provides personalized election information, including:

• Registration deadlines and procedures by state.
• Details on local, state, and national races.
• Early voting and absentee ballot information.
• Polling place locations and hours.
• Explanations of ballot initiatives and referenda.

Whether you’re voting in a major city or a rural county, Vote411 helps ensure you have the facts you need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

Voting is one piece of the larger picture of civic engagement. True empowerment comes from sustained participation—in community meetings, advocacy campaigns, and public service. Each of us has a role to play in shaping a future that reflects our collective priorities and values.

At CBCF, our mission has always been rooted in advancing the global Black community through leadership development, research, and public policy. Promoting civic participation is central to that mission. Through our research initiatives, and leadership programs, we are equipping emerging leaders and everyday citizens alike to engage meaningfully in the democratic process.

As we look toward the next election cycle, we encourage everyone to use their voices, their influence, and their votes to advance equity and opportunity for all.

The post Empowering Our Communities: Why the Upcoming Elections Matter appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Contact:
Tiffany E. Browne
Director, Marketing and Communications
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
media@cbcfinc.org

[Washington, D.C.] — Today, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) announces the release of part 2 of its initial Amplifying Black Perspectives survey findings through its Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR).  Amplifying Black Perspectives: Insights from the Post-Election Survey is a comprehensive analysis that captured the sentiments of Black voters one month after the 2024 presidential election, offering a vital follow-up to the Amplifying Black Perspectives: Insights from the 2024 Pre-Election Survey conducted during CBCF’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) in September. Together, these surveys provide a complete view of Black voter priorities before and after the election, exploring critical issues such as healthcare, education, immigration, and the economy.

Post-election, healthcare remained a top priority for Black voters. In the pre-election survey, over 97% of respondents identified healthcare as a key issue, and this concern persisted after the election, with more than 80% expressing deep worry about potential cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. Education also emerged as a consistent, non-negotiable priority. In the pre-election survey, every respondent listed education as a top issue. Post-election, over 90% expressed concern about President Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate the Department of Education, fearing the loss of critical funding and civil rights protections.

Immigration concerns intensified after the election. While only 66% of pre-election respondents viewed immigration as a key issue, that number surged to 80% post-election, with many expressing fears about mass deportations and heightened ICE activity.

Economic uncertainty remains a complex issue, with respondents expressing a range of concerns, from rising costs due to proposed tariffs to optimism about potential financial opportunities. This diversity of perspectives underscores the need for flexible, community-informed economic policies that address the varied financial realities within Black communities.

“Our post-election survey underscores the shifting priorities and urgent concerns within Black communities following the 2024 election,” said Rayna Young, a research analyst with the Center for Policy Analysis and Research. “These findings are a clear call to action for policymakers. Listening to Black constituents is just the first step toward meaningful progress—real change comes from transforming insights into action by advancing policies that tackle the critical issues impacting marginalized communities.”

With the midterm election season approaching, post-election responses regarding voter enthusiasm reveal growing frustration and discouragement among Black voters. Despite this, over a quarter of respondents sought new avenues for social justice and civic participation, demonstrating the enduring resilience and commitment of Black communities to fighting for systemic change.

This determination to pursue equity and justice extends beyond the ballot box, highlighting the need for legislative action that addresses critical issues affecting Black communities. The report calls on lawmakers to resist restrictive healthcare legislation and advocate for state-level Medicaid expansion. Additionally, policymakers are urged to actively oppose policies that threaten educational equity and instead champion legislation that protects and expands opportunities for Black students. In response to ongoing immigration challenges, legislators are encouraged to provide resources that educate constituents on their rights while advocating for humane reforms.

By amplifying Black voices and addressing the concerns highlighted in these findings policymakers have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to shape a future that reflects the needs and aspirations of Black Americans. To access the full Amplifying Black Perspectives Report, Parts 1 and 2, visit https://www.cbcfinc.org/voter-engagement/.

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About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org and follow @CBCFinc on social platforms.

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In September, the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) launched an original research project, surveying Black attendees at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53^rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) about their top concerns for the 2024 election. As the 2024 election intensified, Black voters were fully engaged and offered considered perspectives on the issues that matter the most to them. Our report, Amplifying Black Perspectives: Insights from the 2024 Pre-Election Survey, offers a snapshot of the views and priorities that shaped how Black Americans voted in a pivotal election year.

Our respondents were united on several important topics. One hundred percent of respondents said that education and criminal justice were key issues for Black Americans – issues that were not highlighted during the Presidential campaign. Respondents also expressed deep concern about election safety, technology’s role in the democratic process, and political violence. These concerns extend beyond a single election cycle and are part of ongoing conversations about democracy and Black voter empowerment.

We found that election enthusiasm was another point of consensus. When asked their opinion on the election, respondents voiced overwhelming support for former Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential bid. In fact, many expressed far more enthusiasm for the election just six weeks after she entered the race than they did prior to her candidacy. Our findings challenge the narrative that Black men had an unfavorable view of Harris, as nearly 90% of Black men surveyed expressed enthusiasm about Harris.

We also found a diversity of opinions within our sample, often along the lines of age, gender, and sexual orientation. Gen Z respondents were more concerned about climate change than older generations, and male respondents were slightly less concerned about reproductive rights than female respondents. In our regional comparison, we found that Southern respondents were more concerned about voter suppression efforts at the polls than respondents in other states. Our results show the multifaceted nature of Black communities. Read the full report for more nuanced discussions about Black America. 

This report offers essential context for understanding the political climate leading into the 2024 election and sets the stage for analyzing the evolution of Black opinions after the vote. In March, we will release our second report, Amplifying Black Perspectives: Insights from the 2024 Post-Election Survey, which will reveal how Black Americans’ concerns changed following President Donald Trump’s electoral victory. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive an update about the post-election report.  

The post The Foundation for Change: What Our Election Report Tells Us About Black America’s Priorities appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Media Contact
Yolanda Raine
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
202-809-2011
media@cbcfinc.org

Statement from Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, on the 2024 Election Results:

“The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) recognizes the 2024 presidential election results and the potential for significant policy shifts in areas that directly impact Black communities and other communities of color. As a nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing the global Black community, CBCF remains committed to our mission of fostering economic opportunity, ensuring educational equity, reforming the criminal justice system, expanding healthcare access, and addressing issues that influence the well-being of marginalized populations.

The election marks a time of change, and with it, the possibility for both new challenges and opportunities. As we look to the months and years ahead, we will continue our work to empower and uplift our communities by informing policy, educating the public, and developing leaders who are equipped to drive lasting progress. Our unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and opportunity serve as the foundation of all we do, and it remains our guiding principle regardless of shifts in leadership or policy.

CBCF stands ready to collaborate with leaders across the political spectrum, stakeholders, and advocates who share our vision for an equitable future. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the interests of Black Americans and other underserved communities are represented, prioritized, and protected. This is a moment that calls for continued unity, resilience, and resolve. Together, we can create pathways toward a more inclusive and just society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Our work has always been—and will always be—about driving positive change and expanding possibilities for all. The CBCF remains steadfast in our dedication to these values and to the communities we serve.”

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About the CBCF

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org.

As a 501(c)(3), the CBCF takes no position on legislation or regulatory matters before Congress or any other government agency.

The post CBCF Statement on 2024 Election Results, Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing Equity and Opportunity for Black Communities appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

On October 16, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to deny voter registration to formerly incarcerated individuals, reinstating the voting rights of nearly 7,000 Nebraska residents. This decision mirrors those in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Minnesota, which have passed laws to collectively restore voting rights to another 10,000 formerly incarcerated individuals. However, unlike most states, which use a winner-take-all system to allocate electoral college votes, Nebraska awards its votes by a congressional district method. In 2020, President Joe Biden won one of the state’s three districts, earning him one electoral vote. Now, with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump locked in a fierce battle for every electoral vote, these newly reinstated voters could play a pivotal role.

While these states have expanded access to the ballot box, millions of Americans with felony convictions remain barred from voting. This includes over 1.8 million Black Americans, who continue to be disproportionately impacted by restrictive state laws. A federal law restoring voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals could dismantle state-level barriers and ensure broader access to civic participation across the nation.

In March 2024, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Center for Policy Analysis and Research published Unshackling the Vote: Restoring Civic Participation for Persons Recently Released from Incarceration. This policy brief discusses H.R. 4987, a bill proposed by Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) in May 2023 to immediately restore voting rights for individuals with criminal convictions upon their release from prison. But as of today, H.R. 4987 and its Senate counterpart, S. 1677, remain stalled. Other proposals from Democratic lawmakers, such as H.R. 6643, which would abolish felon disenfranchisement in federal elections, and S. 4217, aimed at restoring voting rights for individuals released under the First Step Act who have not reoffended, have faced the same roadblock: referral to the Committee on the Judiciary in each chamber, with no further action.[i]

Since releasing Unshackling the Vote, the CBCF has launched a Voting Rights Scorecard, a powerful tool that shines a light on the voting rights landscape across the 15 states with the largest Black populations. Each state was assessed in four critical areas, including felon disenfranchisement, a key factor in the broader fight for voting rights. The findings were revealing. Five states (Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) have enacted laws that support re-enfranchisement. Seven states (Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas) offer a process for individuals with felony convictions to vote; however, there are notable barriers or exceptions that may complicate access. Three states (Florida, Mississippi, and Virginia) impose extensive limitations on voting rights for individuals with felony convictions. The scorecard underscores significant disparities between states: in Maryland, individuals with criminal convictions can register to vote as soon as they are released, while in neighboring Virginia, a felony conviction results in a lifetime ban from voting unless the governor intervenes to restore an individual’s rights.

Formerly incarcerated people deserve the right to vote in all 50 states. You have the power to build a more inclusive democracy by voting for state officials who support legislation to restore this essential right. Visit our Election 2024 page for comprehensive voter information and explore Unshackling the Vote to learn more about federal solutions to end felon disenfranchisement. Together, we can help ensure that every voice is heard.

[i] The First Step Act works to reduce incarceration at the federal level by allowing people currently incarcerated for non-violent drug charges to apply for lower sentences. The law was passed in 2018 by then-President Trump after it passed with bipartisan support in Congress.

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Who are Black youth voters today, and what do they truly value?

Today, a new generation of Black voters has emerged, one that has grown up viewing voting as a right rather than a privilege. This underscores a crucial reality: understandings of Black youth voters have not evolved in tandem with their changing relationship to the ballot box. Assumptions about this group—particularly regarding their alleged apathy or disengagement—fail to acknowledge the generational shift from fighting for voting rights to exercising those rights. Today’s Black youth are not indifferent, they just view and engage with the political landscape differently. 

Our research reveals a far more nuanced and engaged reality. Through over 100 interviews with college students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we witnessed the depth of Black youth political perspectives. These young people seek authenticity and reliability from politicians. As one participant said, referencing Hillary Clinton’s infamous “hot sauce in my bag” moment, “Don’t tell young people you’ve got hot sauce in your bag…” Young voters demand substance over superficial political campaigning. In fact, they are acutely aware of the curated nature of online personas, recognizing that politicians can manipulate social media to project carefully constructed images of themselves. Their healthy skepticism of inauthenticity makes them less susceptible to politicians’ superficial attempts at political engagement.

The moment to engage Black youth voters is now. By shifting the messaging they hear about voting from obligation to opportunity, we can invite them to see themselves as agents of change in their communities. This begins with acknowledging that our current messaging is failing to resonate. Calls to “just vote” or “vote like your ancestors depended on it” may have resonated with previous generations, but they often fall flat with individuals who feel disconnected from that history or disillusioned by the slow pace of progress.

Instead of relying on these outdated messages, we should be asking them, “What problem will you solve with the power of your vote?” By framing civic engagement as a means to address the issues they care about most, we can ignite their passion and empower them to shape democracy. Organizations like the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation play a pivotal role in promoting civic engagement and leadership development. These institutions provide students with the essential tools and experiences to navigate the complexities of civic life, helping them develop into active participants in our democracy.

Our research findings underscore the urgent need to redefine civic engagement for a new generation. By understanding the motivations and aspirations of Black youth, we can empower them not just to vote, but to lead. Imagine a future where their voices are not just heard, but amplified, shaping policies and dismantling systemic barriers. This is the promise within reach for those of us who seek to carry the torch of civic engagement forward. Together, with continuous commitment, we can make it a reality.

Dr. Amanda Wilkerson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida, focusing on equity and excellence in higher education. A graduate of Florida A&M University, she advocates for underserved communities and has received multiple awards for her contributions to education and civic engagement.

Dr. Shalander “Shelly” Samuels is an Assistant Professor at Kean University, focusing on Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Pedagogy in the teaching of BIPOC students and the preparation of K-12 instructors.

The post The Future of Black Political Power: Why We Need to Listen to Young Voters Now appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

With just one week until the 2024 Election, anxiety is sweeping the country. Our democracy faces multiple challenges. Disinformation is rampant across social media. The January 6 insurrection following the 2020 election left millions shaken. Now, after two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, concerns about political violence loom. But what are Black Americans’ specific concerns?

At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 53rd Annual Legislative Conference, our Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) surveyed attendees on their top concerns about the 2024 Election. The leading issues that respondents, representing over 25 states, rated as “Somewhat Concerning” or “Very Concerning” were:

These concerns underscore the perceived threats to the integrity and fairness of our electoral process. While respondents were less worried about their personal voting experiences, many were concerned about others facing intimidation or having their ballots invalidated. Many of the personal stories shared with us highlighted voter suppression efforts, such as North Carolina purging 747,000 voters from its rolls since 2023 or Georgia’s law that criminalizes providing water to voters waiting in line. However, there have also been positive updates, like judges pausing Georgia’s water restriction law for review and record early voting turnout in North Carolina despite the recent challenges posed by Hurricane Helene.

To help voters navigate this landscape, the CBCF has launched a Voting Rights Scorecard. It evaluates 15 states with the largest Black populations on criteria like early voting, voter ID laws, access to polling places, and felon disenfranchisement. Share the scorecard with your friends and family who live in states with restrictive laws, and ensure they have the tools to guarantee their voices are heard in this pivotal election.

Despite their concerns, our survey found that Black voters are ready to turn out in force. Over 95% of respondents said they had a plan to vote, with many committed to civic engagement beyond the ballot box, like driving voters to the polls or serving as poll workers. However, only 48% plan to vote early, which means many could face long lines on Election Day.

On October 29, National Vote Early Day, we urge you to vote early if your state allows. If you have already voted, encourage at least three others to do the same. Use the Calls to Action below to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared and informed to cast your ballots.

Calls to Action

• Voting Rights Toolkit: Get informed about the voting process with our comprehensive guide, offering essential information on voter registration, key deadlines, and your rights at the polls.
• Voting Rights Scorecard: See how your state measures up on voting rights and electoral access and compare it to other states in our scorecard.
• Voter Resources: Unsure of your registration status? Need to locate your polling place? Visit vote.org/cbcf for key information.
• Ballot Research: Learn about the candidates and referenda in your area at vote411.org.
• Voter Protection: If you encounter intimidation at the polls, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). Volunteers are ready to help.
• Prepare for Election Day: If voting in person, bring snacks, water, and patience. Expect long lines but remember: if you are in line before polls close, you are permitted to vote, even after closing time.
• Combat Disinformation: If you see unverified information on social media, consult a trusted source. If it’s false, report it.

Many are understandably anxious about this election, but fear cannot stop us from exercising our democratic rights. Know your rights, use available resources, and claim your power by voting.

The post Your Vote, Your Power: Turning Election Concerns into Action appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

In our current political landscape, we are witnessing a pivotal moment in history where the power wielded by Black voters is being increasingly recognized and acknowledged—although not always with positive intentions or to positive ends. It is crucial to lean into this moment ahead of the 2024 election and recognize its implications for democracy and Black social life.

A key feature of this moment is that Black representation among elected officials is at its highest level since the Reconstruction Era, which includes 60 Black members of Congress. At the height of the Reconstruction Era, during which Black people took advantage of the passing of laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1875 and the Fourteenth Amendment, it is estimated that around 2,000 Black men served in elected positions throughout the country, including 16 members of Congress and over 600 in state legislatures.

Unfortunately, history shows us that Black progress is almost always met with stark, violent opposition from White Americans, both interpersonal and systemic. The Equal Justice Initiative reports that during the period of Reconstruction, at least 2,000 Black men, women, and children were victims of lynchings and other racial terror attacks committed in response to Black Americans attempting to take advantage of new freedoms, like civic engagement. Systemically, states enacted policies and laws to disenfranchise Black people. Particularly in southern states, restrictive laws around voter registration and elections—such as literacy tests, poll taxes, grandfather clauses, and other features of Jim Crow—in conjunction with ongoing and widespread racial violence, quickly reversed the trends of Reconstruction, drastically reducing the number of registered Black voters and Black elected officials.

It was not until the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that most of the discriminatory laws and practices put in place to limit Black civic engagement were outlawed, however we know that Black Americans continue to feel the effects of disenfranchisement to this day. Only a decade ago, in the 2013 case Shelby County v. Holder, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed part of the Voting Rights Act, effectively removing federal oversight of state and local voting laws. Since then, several states enacted more restrictive and discriminatory voter laws, which include practices like strict photo ID requirements, reduced early voting, the elimination of same-day registration and annual voter registration drives, and more. And while several groups have successfully sued states for racially discriminatory voting laws, by the time laws are struck down, significant damage has already been done. The fallout from the Shelby ruling continues even until today. Research from the Brennan Center for Justice finds that in 2023, fourteen states passed at least seventeen restrictive voting laws, and over 350 restrictive bills were introduced in 47 states, and at least 141 restrictive bills are up for consideration in 25 states in 2024.

Additionally, issues like political gerrymandering and felony disenfranchisement continue to have significant effects. Many states are redrawing congressional districts in ways that deny Black voters the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice, and because Black people are disproportionately incarcerated in the U.S., 1 in 19 Black Americans of voting age experience felony disenfranchisement, a rate that is 3.5 times higher than that of non-Blacks.

Despite these obstacles, Black Americans have continuously fought for their right to vote and participate in the democratic process. From the civil rights movement of the 1960s to grassroots organizing efforts in the present day, Black communities have been at the forefront of the struggle for political empowerment. This resilience and steadfast determination in the face of adversity speak to the enduring importance of the Black vote in shaping the course of American democracy.

While we are often told that Black people do not vote, this is a stereotype based in misinformation and a lack of historical context. Black people, in fact, are one of the most stable voting blocs in in the U.S.—despite ongoing efforts of disenfranchisement. Moreover, the Black vote has proven to be decisive in key electoral contests, tipping the balance in favor of candidates who prioritize the concerns of Black voters: Black voters, particularly Black women, were critical to President Biden’s 2020 win, and Black voters have demonstrated a crucial role in Democratic coalition, helping to drive progressive issues such as abortion rights and social justice issues. These trends serve as indicators for presidential candidates and other elected officials seeking support from Black communities in this year’s election.

As we approach the 2024 election, it is more important than ever for Black Americans to lean into their electoral power, which means we must remain vigilant and informed. The upcoming issue of the Journal of the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (JCPAR), published by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, is one place to seek such education. In this issue, contributors address some of the key issues impacting Black communities, specifically looking at the past five years in order to move us forward. The authors outline policy recommendations in a variety of areas, including Black homeownership, technology and AI, youth gun violence prevention, and educational equity.

The implications of this moment extend far beyond electoral politics, shaping the very trajectory of democracy and social life in America. By harnessing the collective power of the Black vote, we can effect meaningful change and advance a more just and equitable society for future generations.

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We are 16 months away from another presidential election; however, the campaign season is nearly in full swing. With over 20 candidates vying to become the next leader of the free world, their words matter as much as our vote matters. Both African-Americans and young adults have been known to make an impact in previous elections. There’s no reason why that will change anytime soon.

A little less than a year ago, we witnessed the birth of the #BlackLivesMatter movement which has garnered much needed national attention. It is another issue that has to be addressed as a serious candidate going forward in this race. We have often heard the response “All Lives Matter” as an inclusionary response to the movement. While that is a basic generalization, it doesn’t acknowledge the issue of systemic inequality that plagues our society. No one has negated the fact that all lives, in fact, matter; however, I don’t believe there is any room to oversimplify a reality that we are facing in this country.

The “Black Lives Matter” movement has been led mostly by African-American women; who represent one of the most impactful voting blocs we have witnessed in recent history. In an article from The Washington Post last year, a report showed black women leading the voter turnout amongst all women. Our race, as a whole, accounts for a considerable percentage of the votes in previous elections as well. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2012, 66% of eligible African-Americans reported voting in the presidential election, which was an increase compared to the 2008 election.

Recently, the tragedy of young Sandra Bland in Hempstead, TX adds to the growing list of cases surrounding the movement. As a presidential hopeful, I believe that it is imperative to not only acknowledge, but tackle the hard-pressed concerns of present-day America. This movement of progressive reform consists of multiple races and ages. My fellow millennials of other races have chosen to fight for this cause and seek justice and demand answers from candidates that do not sound like recycled rhetoric.

Our generation is increasingly informed, and willing to speak out when no one else will. I mentioned, previously, that these candidate’s words matter as much as our votes matter; however, it is the words coupled with action that makes an effective leader in any setting. Like any other issue facing Americans, it is a major issue that must be acknowledged with possible solutions, if not then everything else that is said, potentially falls on deaf ears to thousands, if not, millions of voters. The intersection between race, age and gender, especially in the middle of this movement for black life, will play a major role in this upcoming election. It’s just a matter of what role that will be. What is a candidate to do?

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Glancing at my social media timelines, I saw an overwhelming number of posts expressing frustration and disappointment about the election results and low voter turnout in certain races. There were individuals pointing fingers and placing blame on different demographic groups like millennials. The reality is whether you voted or not, whether you agree with the results or not, the results are in, America has made it’s decision. So the question is, now that the election results are in, and the candidate some voted for has lost, what do we do now?

Too often, constituents underestimate the power and influence of their constituency in their elected official’s office. Constituents are the core of the legislative engine in America. Exercising your right to vote is just one part of that engine. As constituents, we elect people to advocate on our behalf to work hard for the communities they represent and focus on the people’s agenda.  And since these are elected positions, it our job as a community to hold our elected officials accountable to the interest of the people they serve. Therefore, we must increase our level of engagement and we must educate, advocate and expect them to legislate.

We do this by first understanding that all politics are local. We begin by making it our civic obligation to attend local meetings like city council meetings, school board meetings and county meetings where a lot of the decisions that will affect our day-to-day lives are made. We begin engaging with our elected officials by calling their offices, setting up personal visits to advocate for the policies that we support, and by attending their community update forums where we can voice our questions and concerns. And, in this day in age, we can even pull out our smart phones, start a virtual campaign, and send them a tweet!

Do not let what could be seen as an undesirable outcome let you sleep on the power of your constituency. All politics is local, so be seen and be heard! You may have lost the battle, but it does not mean you lost the war.

The post 2014 Midterm Elections: You May Have Lost the Battle, But it Does Not Mean You Lost the War appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.